Title 7, AgricultureRelease 119-110
§6516 Peer Review of Certifying Agents
Title 7 › CHAPTER 94 — ORGANIC CERTIFICATION › § 6516
Summary
The Secretary must use a report from a peer review panel when deciding whether to approve an accreditation application. The Secretary can create a panel of at least three people who know organic farming and handling to make that report. At least two panel members must not be employees of the Department of Agriculture or the State government.
Full Legal Text
Title 7, §6516
Agriculture, Source: USLM XML via OLRC
(a)Peer review
In determining whether to approve an application for accreditation submitted under section 6514 of this title, the Secretary shall consider a report concerning such applicant that shall be prepared by a peer review panel established under subsection (b).
(b)Peer review panel
To assist the Secretary in evaluating applications under section 6514 of this title, the Secretary may establish a panel of not less than three persons who have expertise in organic farming and handling methods, to evaluate the State governing official or private person that is seeking accreditation as a certifying agent under such section. Not less than two members of such panel shall be persons who are not employees of the Department of Agriculture or of the applicable State government.
Reference
Citations & Metadata
Citation
7 U.S.C. § 6516
Title 7, Agriculture
Last Updated
Sep 22, 2026
Release point: 119-110